Obituary of Richard Leonard Cigrand

Richard L. Cigrand, 79, of Monticello, Iowa, died Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at Shady Rest Care Center, Cascade, Iowa. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 19, 2011, at Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello, Iowa, where a private family funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Officiating will be Rev. Keith Birch. Military Honors will be accorded by the Monticello Drill Team. Survivors include his wife, Karen, sons: Tracy (Jill) Cigrand, Mark (Dawnette) Cigrand both of Monticello, Brian (Wendi) Cigrand of Cedar Rapids, and daughter, Angela (Ryan) Emmert of Bellbrook, OH, and 11 grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Marilyn (Andy) Carter of Marion, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Jeffrey, an infant granddaughter, Casey Emmert, and 11 brothers and sisters: Arnold "Bud" Cigrand, James Cigrand, Fr. Nicholas Cigrand, Lou Kline, JeanAnn Cigrand, Carl Cigrand, Marian Cigrand, Mary Margaret Menster, Mildred Otting, LaVerne Grogan, Rita Livingood; 2 sisters-in-law: Donna Summers and Janice Brieholz. Richard was born on February 19, 1932 in Cascade, Iowa, the son of Nicholas and Louise (Streuser) Cigrand. He served in the U.S. Army from January 1953 - December 1954. Richard married Karen Elaine Harms on May 14, 1959 in Monticello, Iowa. He was a 32 year employee at John Deere Dubuque Works and a member of the United Auto Workers local 94. Dick was an active Cub Scout Leader for several years, taking charge of the annual candy sales, was a former member of the Monticello Park Board, and was an active "behind the scenes" volunteer. He was an excellent cook who would bring meals to neighbors and friends in need. In the winter months Richard raised, nurtured and pruned bonzi trees which he displayed on his deck every spring. Classical music, visiting with family and friends in the gazebo and enjoying ice cream were some of his favorite pastimes. He also had a keen interest in genealogy which led to him hosting cousins from Luxembourg. Memorials are preferred. Information available and condolences accepted at www.kramerfuneral.com